When diving into the world of PC gaming, selecting the right graphics card can be a daunting task. With countless options available, two prominent choices that often crop up in discussions are the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti and the GTX 1070. This article will comprehensively compare these two GPUs, exploring their performance, specifications, pricing, and suitability for various gaming scenarios, ultimately guiding you on which graphics card reigns supreme.
Understanding the Basics: GTX 1660 Ti vs. GTX 1070
Before delving into a more nuanced comparison, let’s understand what each of these graphics cards brings to the table.
NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti Overview
Launched in February 2019, the GTX 1660 Ti was part of NVIDIA’s Turing architecture but did not include the more advanced ray-tracing capabilities found in the RTX series. It was designed for gamers looking for solid performance at a budget-friendly price.
- Architecture: Turing
- CUDA Cores: 1536
- Base Clock: 1500 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1770 MHz
- Memory Type: GDDR6
- Memory Size: 6GB
- Memory Interface: 192-bit
NVIDIA GTX 1070 Overview
The GTX 1070, launched in June 2016, was part of NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture and garnered significant attention thanks to its exceptional performance for 1440p gaming.
- Architecture: Pascal
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1683 MHz
- Memory Type: GDDR5
- Memory Size: 8GB
- Memory Interface: 256-bit
Performance Comparison: How Do They Stack Up?
When evaluating which graphics card is better, performance is a crucial metric to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the gaming performance, benchmarking scores, and overall gaming capabilities of the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1070.
Gaming Performance
The performance of a graphics card is typically assessed through several rounds of benchmarking across various popular games. Here’s a comparison table of performance in key titles.
| Game Title | GTX 1660 Ti (FPS) | GTX 1070 (FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 62 | 68 |
| Far Cry 5 | 68 | 73 |
| The Witcher 3 (Ultra) | 50 | 56 |
| Battlefield V (High) | 58 | 64 |
As illustrated in the table, the GTX 1070 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti in most gaming scenarios. However, it’s important to note that the differences in frame rates are not drastic, particularly at 1080p resolution.
Benchmarking Scores
Beyond in-game performance, synthetic benchmarks give us a clearer picture of how these graphics cards perform under controlled conditions. Here are some benchmark test results:
- 3DMark Fire Strike:
- GTX 1660 Ti: 17,000
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GTX 1070: 19,000
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3DMark Time Spy:
- GTX 1660 Ti: 5,900
- GTX 1070: 6,400
These results show that the GTX 1070 outclasses the GTX 1660 Ti, particularly in synthetic benchmarks, which measure the card’s processing power and efficiency.
Power Consumption and Thermal Performance
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a GPU is its power efficiency and thermal performance.
Power Consumption
- GTX 1660 Ti: Approximately 120 watts
- GTX 1070: Approximately 150 watts
The GTX 1660 Ti is more power-efficient, meaning it can deliver similar performance with lower power consumption. This can result in a quieter and cooler gaming experience, ideal for those who favor a compact or less noisy PC build.
Thermal Performance
Thermal performance is critical for maintaining stability during long gaming sessions. Both cards perform adequately under load, but the GTX 1660 Ti generally tends to run cooler due to its smaller power draw, making it less prone to overheating.
Price Point: Budget Considerations
When weighing your options, consider the pricing of both graphics cards, as budget constraints often dictate purchasing decisions.
- GTX 1660 Ti: Priced around $280 (or less depending on sales)
- GTX 1070: Often found at around $300-$400 (higher prices can occur due to stock limitations and demand)
If you’re on a tighter budget and still seek decent gaming performance at 1080p and some 1440p resolutions, the GTX 1660 Ti is often the more affordable option. Conversely, if you can stretch your budget, the GTX 1070 offers better performance longevity.
Future-Proofing and Performance Longevity
Gaming technology and requirements are swiftly evolving. It’s prudent to consider how well each GPU will stand the test of time.
Game Compatibility and Requirements
The GTX 1070 has a slight edge in future-proofing due to its higher memory capacity and overall better performance in demanding titles. On the other hand, the GTX 1660 Ti can handle most current games at high settings, making it a great option for casual gamers or those who do not require ultra-settings.
Resolution Considerations
While both cards can provide excellent experiences at 1080p, the GTX 1070 shines brighter when pushing games at higher resolutions (1440p). If you plan on upgrading your monitor or diving into more demanding games, investing in the GTX 1070 may be wise.
Conclusion: Which GPU Is Right for You?
Choosing between the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1070 ultimately boils down to your gaming needs and budget.
- Choose the GTX 1660 Ti if:
- You’re gaming primarily at 1080p.
- You seek a more power-efficient option.
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You prefer a lower budget without sacrificing much performance.
-
Choose the GTX 1070 if:
- You desire better performance in demanding games, especially at higher resolutions.
- You have a slightly higher budget and want more longevity from your graphics card.
In summary, both graphics cards are worthy contenders in the mid-range segment. The GTX 1660 Ti offers exceptional value for budget gamers, while the GTX 1070’s slightly superior performance makes it a better choice for those looking to push for higher resolutions or frame rates. With this information in mind, you should be well-equipped to make a decision tailored to your gaming experience.
What are the main differences between the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1070?
The GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1070 are both popular graphics cards, but they are built on different architectures and target different segments of the market. The GTX 1660 Ti is based on NVIDIA’s Turing architecture, which delivers improved efficiency, better performance-per-watt, and features like G-Sync support while still being more budget-friendly. In contrast, the GTX 1070 is based on the Pascal architecture and tends to offer stronger overall gaming performance, particularly in demanding titles and at higher resolutions.
Moreover, the GTX 1660 Ti typically comes with GDDR6 memory, which offers higher bandwidth, while the GTX 1070 is equipped with GDDR5 memory. This increase in memory bandwidth in the GTX 1660 Ti can be beneficial for some gaming scenarios, especially at 1080p resolution. However, the GTX 1070’s larger memory capacity allows for better performance in higher-resolution gaming scenarios or for users who run multiple displays.
Which GPU performs better in gaming?
In most gaming benchmarks, the GTX 1070 outperforms the GTX 1660 Ti, particularly at higher resolutions like 1440p and in more graphically demanding games. The GTX 1070 features more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus, contributing to its superior performance in scenarios where maximum GPU power is essential. For gamers targeting ultra settings or those playing AAA titles, the GTX 1070 will generally yield higher frame rates.
However, the GTX 1660 Ti is also a strong performer for 1080p gaming, often achieving smooth frame rates in most modern titles, especially when settings are tuned down a notch. It represents a more cost-effective option for gamers primarily focused on 1080p gaming, where the differences in performance between the two cards become less noticeable.
How do power consumption and thermal performance compare?
The GTX 1660 Ti is known for its efficiency, drawing about 120 watts of power, making it more power-efficient compared to the GTX 1070, which typically draws around 150 watts. This lower power consumption of the GTX 1660 Ti can lead to less heat generation during intense gaming sessions, which is a desirable trait for builds with limited cooling capabilities or for users interested in a quieter operation.
On the other hand, the GTX 1070, while slightly less efficient, is still manageable and has a good thermal solution, meaning it can maintain pleasant operating temperatures under load. Both cards can be found in various custom models from manufacturers that may have improved cooling solutions, but the GTX 1660 Ti has an edge in terms of lower power draw and quiet operation during gaming sessions.
Which card offers better value for the price?
The value of a graphics card often depends on the performance it delivers relative to its price. Currently, the GTX 1660 Ti tends to be priced lower than the GTX 1070 while providing solid performance for 1080p gaming, making it an attractive option for gamers on a budget. For users whose primary focus is on less demanding titles or competitive gaming, the GTX 1660 Ti offers excellent performance without breaking the bank.
In contrast, for those who plan on playing more demanding games or looking for longevity in terms of gaming performance, the GTX 1070 may provide better long-term value. While it usually comes with a higher price tag, the extra performance in higher resolutions and settings might justify the investment for gamers who want to future-proof their gaming setup.
Which one is better for content creation tasks?
When it comes to content creation, the GTX 1070 generally has an advantage over the GTX 1660 Ti due to its higher processing power and larger VRAM. Content creation software, such as video editing and 3D rendering applications, can be demanding on GPU resources, and the extra CUDA cores and broader memory bandwidth of the GTX 1070 help in these scenarios, allowing for smoother performance and less time waiting for renders.
However, the GTX 1660 Ti also holds its own for entry-level content creation tasks, especially if you are working with 1080p video. Its newer architecture can deliver decent performance while being more power-efficient, which may benefit users who are looking for a balance between gaming and beginner-level content creation without requiring the extreme capabilities of a higher-end GPU.
Are there significant differences in VR performance between the two GPUs?
Both the GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1070 can handle VR, but the GTX 1070 is better suited for more demanding VR experiences due to its superior performance metrics. VR gaming often requires higher frame rates and more consistent performance to ensure a smooth and immersive experience. The additional power of the GTX 1070 can provide better frame rates in VR applications, which is critical for minimizing latency and motion sickness.
That said, the GTX 1660 Ti is still capable of delivering a decent VR experience for many titles, especially those that are less demanding. If your primary VR usage consists of lighter games or experiences, the GTX 1660 Ti is a viable option, especially considering its price point. However, for serious VR enthusiasts who want to enjoy the latest titles at the best quality settings, the GTX 1070 remains the safer choice.
Which graphics card is better for future-proofing?
When it comes to future-proofing, the GTX 1070 is likely the better choice as it generally offers higher performance levels and can handle more demanding games that might be released in the coming years. While the GTX 1660 Ti does a commendable job with current titles at 1080p, it may struggle more as game developers push the boundaries of graphics and processing power. For gamers looking to invest for the future, the GTX 1070 will provide longevity in gaming performance.
However, it’s also worth considering your own gaming habits and expectations. If you primarily play less demanding games at 1080p, the GTX 1660 Ti could suffice for your needs. Alternatively, if your intent is to gradually step into more demanding gaming or higher resolutions, opting for the GTX 1070 would be a wise decision in terms of being prepared for upcoming titles that may require more resource-intensive graphics capabilities.